Racar

Juazeiro do Norte is considered one of the greatest exponents of cultural manifestation in Brazil, motivated by being a great center of popular religiosity, thanks to the figure of Padre Cícero.

Handicrafts are one of its main economic activities and emerged during the time of the priest, who encouraged activities that guaranteed work and income for the inhabitants.

Many craftsmen seek inspiration from the great characters of local and regional culture such as Padre Cícero and Lampião, from the sertanejo himself or representing traditions, whether in religious festivities, as well as in dances (reisado, lapinha, etc.).

In art, they diversify pieces in wood, straw, leather, clay, iron, plaster and even the cordel literature that gives strength to the woodcut. All this is the result of creativity, with the imagination of each artist portraying the reality of Juazeiro made by intelligent people.

Racar was born in this context and signs his works with that name because his full name is Raimundo Caetano Rodrigues. Born in 1966, he worked on farms. “Where I lived there was a person who carved in wood.

I knew there was such a thing to do, but I didn’t know I could be a professional on it. One day, I saw a friend working. I took the tool and made a saint sculpture. That was in 1987 and the piece I sculpted was a São Sebastião. From then on, I started working with just that. I make different shapes, but I like to sculpt things from the earth, our folklore. My life today is less suffering. I work only for myself, I don’t work for anyone anymore.”

Raimundo works at home and at the Associação dos Artesãos Padre Cícero, where he spends most of his time.